Cathartes aura
The Turkey Vulture, *Cathartes aura*, is a large New World Vulture distinguished by its impressive wingspan of 160-183 cm (63-72 in) and body length of 62-81 cm (24-32 in), weighing 0.85-2.0 kg (1.9-4.4 lb). Its plumage is uniformly brownish-black, contrasted by the distinctive two-toned underwing pattern: silvery-gray flight feathers set against dark wing linings. Adults possess a featherless, wrinkled, bright red head, while juveniles sport a gray, downy head, providing a clear field mark f...
Highly adaptable, the Turkey Vulture is found across a vast range of open and semi-open habitats including forests, deserts, grasslands, agricultural areas, and mountains, from sea level to high elevations of over 13,000 feet.
Exclusively a scavenger, the Turkey Vulture feeds on a wide variety of vertebrate carrion, primarily located by its exceptional sense of smell while soaring high above the landscape.
Turkey Vultures are diurnal birds, typically emerging from communal roosts in large trees, cliffs, or human structures after the morning sun has warmed the air, often adopting a characteristic 'sun-bathing' posture with wings spread. They are master soaring birds, spending hours aloft in search o...
The Turkey Vulture boasts an incredibly widespread distribution, breeding from southern Canada south through the entirety of North and Central America, and across most of South America, reaching as far south as Tierra del Fuego. Northern populations are migratory, undertaking long journeys to win...
Least Concern
- The Turkey Vulture possesses the best sense of smell among all birds, capable of detecting ethyl mercaptan (a gas released by decaying carcasses) from over a mile away, allowing it to find food hidden from sight. - When threatened, it can projectile vomit foul-smelling, semi-digested food up to...